Maria Arkhipova is perhaps one of the most famous composers working in the genre of folk music. Her project "Arkona" is a large-scale cultural heritage of Russia, which influenced many groups working in the genre of folk music in the CIS, and Maria herself is an example of industriousness, perseverance and determination.
Biography
Maria Arkhipova was born on January 9, 1983 in the city of Moscow, in a family of linguistic scientists. From childhood, little Masha had a keen interest in the native language and culture of the ancient Slavs. It was this passion that led her to the Vyatichi community of believers, after staying in which Maria was visited by the idea of creating a musical group whose works would be devoted to the culture and traditions of Ancient Russia.
Possessing the talent of a poet and a musician, the girl is actively taken to study musical theory and practices in the art of sound recording. In 2002, the Hyperborea band was born, in which Maria recorded several rehearsal tapes.
Arkona
In February 2004, the group changed its name to Arkona. Maria Arkhipova, with the help of familiar musicians, writes the demo album "Rus", sending cassettes with recordings to several music labels at once. Recordings are widespread thanks to a non-standard approach to music, unique melody and special sound. Cassette became interested in Sound Age, and a year later the band released its first full-length album, Renaissance, which included material written by Maria during her work with Hyperborea.
The Renaissance was warmly received by the rock music community, which served as an incentive to record the second album, Lepta, which was released four months later on the same label.
Inspired by success, Maria gains a new line-up to the group and begins active concert activity, which significantly expanded the base of fans of her work and ensured the team temporary financial independence.
With the proceeds from the performances, the group writes the third album - “For the Glory to the Great”, and the concert collection - “Life for the Glory”.
Two years later, Maria decides to change the concept of the group, removing all electronic instruments from the sound and replacing them with live counterparts. The composition of the group is again undergoing significant changes. In the "Arkon" appear musicians responsible for folk instruments. Maria herself is actively learning to play most of the instruments presented on the group's albums.
The album "From the heart to the sun" appears on the shelves of music stores in 2006 and immediately attracts the attention of world labels to the young group. Critics note the sincerity and freshness of the music, original melodic moves and a unique lyrical component.
In 2007, Maria Arkhipova, whose photo appears in several major music publications at once, concludes a contract with the Swedish label Napalm Records for the publication of all existing Arkona albums abroad, as well as for the release of several of the following collections.
The album "Goy, Rode, Goy" was released at the end of 2009 and brought the group worldwide fame, having received rave reviews from critics.
The collective takes a creative break for four years, devoting this time to active concert activity. "Arkona" gave concerts in South America, Northern Europe, and also made a huge tour of Russia and the CIS countries.
The events held increase the already great interest in the group, and in 2013 the Slovo collection was released, published immediately on four domestic and foreign labels.
The following year, the album "Yav" was released, which included material that was not included in the previous album. And in 2018, Maria completes the trilogy with the album “Temple”.
Hobby
In addition to creative activities, Maria is fond of horse riding, the manufacture of musical instruments according to old instructions, and also learns to play some of them. Maria Arkhipova "makes friends" with a guitar, piano, harp, flute, bagpipes, horn, etc.
Personal life
The biography of Maria Arkhipova is characterized by the absence of a huge number of interesting events. She is happy in marriage with the bassist of the group "Arkona" - Sergey Atrashkevich. The couple lives in a suburban cottage in the suburbs and brings up two sons.